Beloved and devoted husband of Betty for 67 years; loving father to Shelia Wilson, Susan (Kurt) Ayotte, Billy (Stacey) McCarrell Jr., Jennifer (David) Adkins, and James (Angie Burgess) McCarrell; grandfather of Jamie, T.J., Erik, Amanda, Koryn, Larissa, B.J., Chelsea, Meghan, Austin, and Alexis; great-grandfather of Leila, Tyler, Zachary, Shane, Kai, Kalle, Kobe, Skyler, Kasen, Bryer, and Kord; great-great-grandfather of Bentley; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Billy was predeceased by his parents Oliver and Nell (McRea) McCarrell, son-in-law RJ Wilson and great-grandson Sean.
Billy was born in Lenoir City, Tennessee on August 28, 1932. He graduated from Lenoir City High School in the Class of 1951. He married Betty Malone on February 2, 1952 in Lenoir City. In 1957, he and Betty moved the family to Highland Park, Michigan so Billy could work for Ford Motor Company. Billy and Betty raised their family in Hazel Park. Billy enjoyed a long work history at Ford Motor Company and retired after 34 dedicated years.
Billy was a Scottish Rite Mason, 32nd Degree. He was also a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
To have known Billy was to certainly love him. His sense of humor and fun was one of the first things you noticed, followed closely by his always present sense of kindness and light-hearted approach to life. Billy was appreciative for every interaction and all who met him were thankful for the opportunity.
Billy’s family will receive all for a visitation on Sunday, February 10th from 1 – 6 p.m. A Mason’s service will be at 5 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 11th at Van Hoosen Jones Cemetery Chapel, located at 482 E. Tienken Rd in Rochester Hills.
